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Cracking open a pistachio exposes the tasty seed within and if you grow your own, you can roast and salt them to your heart's content. If you want to grow a pistachio tree (Pistacia spp.), you must keep the soil conditions, like pH levels, within a consistent range for the most successful fruiting. Extreme pH swings can easily stunt a tree's growth and ability to bear fruit.

Ideal Conditions

A successful pistachio tree will produce fruits every other year if kept at a pH range of 7.1 to 7.8. Enjoying a slightly alkaline environment, the pistachio tree is actually hardy with some variation to its pH and can withstand higher alkalinity if necessary. The pistachio tree's ability to spread its roots deeply is a key factor for its tolerance to varying pH levels. It can search out moisture and nutrients within many soil types, like stone substrates, rather than being limited to a localized area with a harsh pH.

Effects of Acidic Soil

Elements within the soil become less available as nourishment for the pistachio tree as the pH level falls below 7. For example, phosphorus cannot be readily absorbed by the tree's roots in an acidic environment, creating a nutrient deficiency. Toxicity levels can also increase with acidity; aluminum becomes readily available and can damage the tree if the soil remains at a low pH.

Amending the Soil

If you have concerns about the pH range in your tree's garden area, a basic pH meter is a practical tool for everyday monitoring. To keep your pH within the ideal range, use lime and sulfate on the topsoil. Various sulfate mixtures, such as ammonium sulfate, lower pH, while ground lime works to increase pH. Because the ideal pH range of 7.1 to 7.8 is close to neutral, the amendments should keep the soil well balanced.

Water Considerations

Loose, moist soil is best for the pistachio tree because water can move easily through the soil pockets to the deep roots. Hydrogen ions, residing in the soil, reflect the pH level and interact with the passing water full of elemental nutrients. Healthy water movement throughout the soil allows the roots to pull needed nutrients from the water while maintaining a balance with the pH level. Extreme pH levels reduce the nutrients available to the roots, which can cause stunting and dieback.

About the Author

Writing professionally since 2010, Amy Rodriguez cultivates successful cacti, succulents, bulbs, carnivorous plants and orchids at home. With an electronics degree and more than 10 years of experience, she applies her love of gadgets to the gardening world as she continues her education through college classes and gardening activities.